Amidst the hum of excited chatter in a bustling college café, Sarah leaned over her laptop, scanning through slides for her upcoming presentation. The future loomed heavily on her mind — an uncertain landscape where dreams of making a profound difference in the world clashed with the practicalities of starting a career. It was here, in this nexus of youth, ambition, and faith, that she discovered a calling she hadn't fully grasped before: serving others through ministry.
A growing number of young people like Sarah are finding that their college years can be a springboard into mission work, and organizations like Samaritan’s Purse are at the forefront of enabling this. Founded by Franklin Graham in 1970, Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit organization driven by Christian values, dedicated to helping those in need. Their initiatives range from international disaster response to providing medical care in underserved regions, all grounded in the Gospel's message of compassion and service.
Sarah’s journey began when she learned about the Global Internship Program offered by Samaritan’s Purse. As she read the stories of other interns who had traveled to locations like Uganda and Haiti, she felt a stirring in her heart. “You don’t have to wait until you've completed your studies to start making a difference,” one program overview emphasized. “Your college years are not just about books and lectures; they're also an opportunity to serve and grow in your faith.” This resonated deeply with her; it was as though a door opened, inviting her to step through, armed with purpose.
In the fall of 2022, Sarah applied and was accepted into the apprenticeship program with Samaritan’s Purse. Her assignment took her to the shores of hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, where she worked on rebuilding homes destroyed by disaster. Each day was a mix of physical labor and heartfelt connection. The local families clung to her as a source of hope, sharing their stories of loss and resilience. On one particularly memorable afternoon, she helped a ten-year-old boy, Miguel, retrieve his family's treasured photos from the debris — scraps of memory that somehow survived the storm. In those moments, Sarah felt the profound truth of Matthew 25:40 resonating within her, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As Sarah immersed herself in this work, she noticed how her peers were also drawn to service. They rallied together for community outreach initiatives, participated in organizational meetings, and shared prayers for those they served. The college campus transformed into a mission hub, where each student’s unique skills and talents could flourish in service to others. Some chose to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child, delivering joy to children worldwide through gift-filled shoeboxes, while others trained to join the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
This emergent wave of purposeful action highlights a significant trend unfolding within higher education; the intersection of academia and faith-driven service is becoming a vital part of students' journeys. More schools are recognizing the value of experiential learning alongside traditional curricula, fueling a culture where service is woven into the very fabric of collegiate life. The challenge lies not only in providing these opportunities but in motivating young people to seize them.
As the academic years progress, Sarah’s story is just one of many that will echo across campuses. Many are stepping into their calling, finding Christ-centered paths that lead from classroom to community, and ultimately, to the world beyond. The blessing of service enriches both the doers and those being served, creating a ripple effect that reverberates through families, neighborhoods, and nations.
What comes next for Sarah? With her newfound experience and passion, she envisions a future where she can take these principles beyond her college years, potentially even turning to full-time missions. Her journey embodies a profound message for all who feel the weight of uncertainty in their futures: there is hope, and often in the most unexpected places, God opens doors. The call to serve is alive and well, inviting young hearts ready to make a tangible difference in the world.
